Community Corner

Patch's Poll: Should Schools Offer Students the 'Morning After' Pill?

A pilot program in 13 New York City schools provides Plan B to students age 14-18 when requested.

New York City schools started a Plan B pill pilot program last year that is now offered in 13 high schools and will likely be expanded to high schools citywide.

ABC News reported that only 1 to 2 percent of parents opted out of the program before it was implemented.

"Last year, when the plan was implemented, about 4.7 percent of the 12,000 girls enrolled in those schools was given the prescription drug, according to the Board of Health. Students ranged in age from 14 to 18," ABC News said.

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The "morning after" pill, as it is also called, can be taken after unprotected sex or birth control failure to prevent an unplanned pregnancy.

The company that makes the drug — Teva Pharmaceuticals — says it does not affect or terminate an existing pregnancy.

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Should schools around the country emulate this plan to prevent teen pregnancies? Or is it a medical and ethical decision that shouldn't involve schools at all?

Take our poll and tell us in the comments.


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